South Korea Opposition Seeks Impeachment Of Acting Leader

South Korea's Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, center, who became the country's acting leader after President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, speaks during a cabinet meeting at the government complex in Seou

South Korea's main liberal opposition party has announced its intention to seek the impeachment of acting leader Han Duck-soo. This move comes amidst the political turmoil that ensued after the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who briefly declared martial law.

The opposition Democratic Party, holding a majority in parliament, is pushing for independent investigators to look into Yoon's martial law declaration and allegations against his wife. Han has been given a deadline to approve bills appointing these investigators.

If Han is impeached, it could further escalate political instability and raise concerns among neighboring countries. As the country's No. 2 official, Han assumed presidential powers following Yoon's impeachment. The finance minister would be next in line if Han is also impeached.

If Han is impeached, it could escalate political instability and raise regional concerns.

Opposition Democratic Party pushing for independent investigators into Yoon's martial law declaration.

Han vetoed opposition-sponsored bills, including a contentious agriculture bill.

Democratic Party urging Han to appoint justices to vacant seats on the Constitutional Court.

The Democratic Party has criticized Han for vetoing opposition-sponsored bills, including a contentious agriculture bill. They are urging Han to swiftly appoint justices to vacant seats on the Constitutional Court, which is reviewing Yoon's impeachment.

Filling the empty posts on the Constitutional Court could impact the likelihood of conviction, as it requires the support of at least six out of nine members. The Democratic Party is pressing for the approval of bills calling for special prosecutors to investigate Yoon for rebellion and his wife for corruption.

Despite ongoing investigations by prosecutors and officials into Yoon's alleged rebellion and abuse of power, Yoon has refused to cooperate. Several senior military commanders and officials have already been arrested in connection with the deployment of troops and police officers to the National Assembly.

The governing People Power Party has criticized the opposition's impeachment threats, labeling them as interference with Han's legitimate exercise of authority. The potential impeachment vote faces legal uncertainties, as the standard for impeaching an acting president is disputed between the rival parties.

The Constitutional Court has up to six months to decide Yoon's fate. If he is removed from office, a national election to select his successor must be held within two months.